Contracts Specialist

Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART)•Tampa, FL

3d•$62,624 - $73,448•Onsite

About The Position

HART is seeking a procurement and contracting professional to manage procurements from planning through solicitation, negotiation, award, administration and closeout. Working independently and with minimal direction, this position develops solicitations and administers contracts of varying complexity in accordance with HART policies and applicable federal, state and local requirements. You will work with departments throughout HART, lead formal procurement activities, advise internal customers and maintain productive vendor relationships. Your work will help HART obtain the services and supplies needed to operate responsibly, efficiently and in compliance with federal, state and local requirements.

Requirements

An associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Government Affairs or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Two to three years of progressively responsible experience in contracting procedures, procurement regulations and negotiating techniques.
Ability to develop and administer solicitations and contracts while reviewing and applying federal, state and local requirements.
Knowledge of public-sector purchasing practices; federal, state and local purchasing and disposal procedures; contract compliance; auditing; and procurement documentation.
Ability to perform cost and price analyses, review pricing information and complete calculations accurately.
Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, training and presentation skills, and the ability to conduct public meetings and represent HART at industry events.
Strong organization, prioritization and analytical problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage concurrent assignments, meet deadlines, and set and execute departmental goals and objectives.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, retain important details and remain effective while working under stress or frequent interruption.
Successful experience working in an organized workforce environment and bringing work groups together to support productivity and teamwork. Ability to be a flexible, effective team leader and participant, interact positively with internal and external contacts, and manage vendor relationships.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office 365, including Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project, Visio and OneDrive, and the ability to use computers for data entry, word processing, accounting and technical applications such as ERP systems.
Knowledge of HART rules, regulations, procedures and functions and standard office practices, procedures and equipment. Ability to concentrate and learn.
Ability to meet HART attendance, punctuality, safety and security requirements.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
CPM, CPPB, CPPO, NIGP-CPP or a similar procurement or contracting professional certification.

Responsibilities

Plan and administer procurements of varying complexity, working with HART departments and vendors to obtain services and supplies in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Work with internal departments to clarify requirements, specifications, schedules, deliverables and procurement strategy.
Develop solicitations in accordance with the HART Procurement Manual, sound procurement practices and applicable federal, state and local requirements.
Select appropriate contract types and prepare terms and conditions that address the needs and risks of each procurement.
Conduct pre-bid and pre-proposal conferences, bid openings and other public procurement meetings.
Coordinate evaluations with departmental technical representatives and determine vendor responsiveness and responsibility.
Develop pre-negotiation positions, lead negotiations and, when appropriate, chair technical evaluations of proposals and plans. Control discussions with offerors and document all discussions.
Perform cost and price analyses and prepare negotiation memoranda and determinations of price reasonableness.
Recommend contract awards or no awards, finalize contract documents and coordinate contract execution.
Administer contracts from award through closeout, monitor contractor compliance, approve payments and address contract interpretation, disputes, modifications and change orders.
Initiate default, termination or additional negotiation procedures when required and maintain effective communication with contractors and HART technical staff.
Enter awarded contracts in the contract database, maintain complete files and current contract status, and perform assigned self-audits of contract and solicitation files. Conduct routine contract compliance audits and report findings to the Department Director. Close out contracts by obtaining releases, acceptance certificates and warranties and arranging disposition of retained payments.
Serve as backup for purchasing inventory and non-inventory supplies and services, including quotations, pricing, purchase orders and tabulation sheets.
Maintain liaison with HART technical departments and industry contacts. Serve as an organizational spokesperson on contract matters and represent HART at tradeshows, conferences and other industry events.
Perform other work-related duties as assigned.
Responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for customers, contractors, visitors and coworkers.
Follow applicable health, safety, security and quality-management procedures.
Recognize and report accidents and hazardous conditions.
Assist with the development of workplace safety procedures for their department.
Promote workplace safety procedures.
Properly use and care for assigned equipment and materials.

Benefits

Medical, dental and vision plan options
Participation in the Florida Retirement System
Access to a 457(b) deferred compensation plan
Paid leave
Tuition reimbursement
Employer-paid life, accidental death and dismemberment, and long-term disability insurance
Free HART transportation
Opportunities for professional development
Opportunities for industry participation
Opportunities for career growth